Democratic Sentinel, Volume 9, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 May 1885 — FOUR MEN KILLED. [ARTICLE]

FOUR MEN KILLED.

A Desperate Figh£ with Cattle-Thieves. [St. Louis dispatch. J Four men were killed in a battle with cattle-thieves in the Indian Territory. The battle occurred yesterday afternoon, and was the result of the extensive operations of a gang of marauders known as the Red River band of cattle-thieves. They are said to be organized and well equipped for prosecuting their lawless business. They have been operating extensively, and within the last three weeks have grown doubly daring and bold in their exploits.; Thfey drove off a lot of cattle belonging to the Ross Brothers one day this week, leaving a'good trail to follow them by. A posse was organized and war declared in earnest. Pursuit was commenced Wednesday iaorning and prosecuted with vigor until yesterday afternoon, when the vi lains were corraled in a big log house, or bam, at Lee’s ranch. How many were in the house is not definitely known, but from “signs” it was believed there were six, and that they were well-armed and desperate fellows. The house was surrounded and preparations made to carry it by assault, but the men inside opened fire, and their aim was deadly. The shots were returned, and there was lively shooting for about ten minutes, when the would-be thiefcatchers were forced to retreat, taking with them four of their number dead. They were Andrew Ross, James Ross, Tom Guy, an Indian police sergeant, and Jim Aker's. The people of that section are aroused, and are preparing to inaugurate a war of extermination on the gang.